Tips and Tools for Successful Distance Learning

Whatever the type of education, various factors contribute to success and perseverance in school. Among these factors, motivation is a key factor. Thus, a good motivation can encourage you to direct your actions and to invest in the achievement of a goal. By the fact that students must autonomously manage the tasks required, distance courses require some adaptation. Thus, for some students, this will involve an additional requirement in terms of motivation.

Motivation specialists distinguish two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. From an academic perspective, intrinsic motivation is based on personal aspects, such as your interest in the subject matter of a course, your perception of the value of a course and your sense of competence over your own learning. As for extrinsic motivation, it is rather based on external factors, such as aiming high marks or obtaining a diploma. Other factors are also likely to affect motivation for studies, including course structure, coaching and feedback with managers, and social aspects. Good intrinsic motivation would help to better engage and persevere in school tasks.

If your school motivation is sometimes inconsistent or if you feel that it needs to be improved, here are some ideas for that. These reflections can help you make sense of your training and thus act on your motivation:

First, think broadly about the reasons that led you to study and your goals (eg, the reason you went to school, the choice of program or discipline, academic goals, and professionals you pursue, the methods or skills you wish to develop or acquire, etc.).

Do you specifically ask what the course or training can bring you on a personal level (e.g. gain new knowledge, learn new things, learn work methods, take advantage of course content and work required, either to successfully complete other courses or to refer to them in a future job, etc.) and return to the benefits of putting yourself to the task (personal satisfaction, surpassing oneself, reducing anxiety, etc.). ).

Think about the benefits of taking distance courses (e.g. having more flexibility in timing and pace, learning new ways of working, achieving a steady, self-paced work pattern, etc.).

Other strategies applied on a daily basis could also allow you to better cope with distance courses:

Do not obey your negative thoughts that might deter you from getting to work and do not wait to feel ready and motivated. Start rather soon the activities planned for your courses, even if you want to achieve a smaller goal. It’s in action that we find motivation!

Participate actively in the discussion forums associated with the courses.

Perform the formative evaluations according to your progress in the subject in order to assimilate the content and thus increase your chances of achieving the objectives of the course. Good mastery of the subject contributes to the motivation.

Talk with colleagues and friends about the subject and your learning. In addition to maintaining interest in the subject, this can help you review for an exam. This also helps to clarify his ideas for writing a long job.

Reward yourself once the task is done and give yourself some respite to keep a balance between studying and other areas of your life.

Keep a log of your accomplishments.

Nurture your sense of competence by maintaining a constructive attitude and focusing on the positive aspects (e.g. what you have learned or developed, etc.) rather than the gaps or difficulties.

These were few tips for distance learning. You can visit our website where you can get more info about distance learning system.